Issues and Activities

Ottawa – Consumers will benefit from increased competition in wireless thanks to the Canadian government’s commitment to its present spectrum policy, today stated two major consumer groups, the Consumers’ Association of Canada (CAC) and the Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC).

John Lawford, Executive Director and General Counsel of PIAC noted that the Canadian government has been clear that it wants more wireless competition: “The spectrum auction rules are designed to produce a more competitive wireless market that will lower prices for consumers – that’s what the big three don’t want you to get.”

Bell, TELUS and Rogers have very publicly stated the government’s spectrum policy is unfairly favouring foreign interests and that the playing field is “not level”. The large Canadian wireless carriers have also said publicly that they won’t serve rural Canadians, will fire their own employees and will be wiped out by U.S. companies if Canada allows a serious fourth national competitor, such as Verizon, to get established in Canada.

“Bell, TELUS and Rogers are trying to scare Canadians with misinformation,” said Bruce Cran, President of the Consumers’ Association of Canada. “We are happy that new Industry Minister Moore is staying the course on spectrum,” he added.